Not keepin' it real on net neutrality

Normally, the FMC doesn’t take things personally. We’ve been attacked repeatedly for stands we’ve taken on a range of issues. It just comes with the territory. But when a lobbyist who runs an operation funded by the telecom industry (which wants to do away with net neutrality) attacks a new net neutrality campaign (Rock the Net) as “lip synching” for liberal groups, it begs a simple question:

Who is the real Milli Vanilli?

Sorry Scott Cleland, it’s definitely not Rock the Net. We have no problem with MoveOn, but this is a coalition founded by musicians, record labels and music fans to promote the principles of an Internet that is equally open to everyone.

Normally, the FMC doesn’t take things personally. We’ve been attacked repeatedly for stands we’ve taken on a range of issues. It just comes with the territory. But when a lobbyist who runs an operation funded by the telecom industry (which wants to do away with net neutrality) attacks a new net neutrality campaign (Rock the Net) as “lip synching” for liberal groups, it begs a simple question:

Who is the real Milli Vanilli?

Sorry Scott Cleland, it’s definitely not Rock the Net. We have no problem with MoveOn, but this is a coalition founded by musicians, record labels and music fans to promote the principles of an Internet that is equally open to everyone.

Cleland calls Rock the Net a “cheap publicity stunt” and implies that Rock the Net is manufactured. The sheer number of bands and music labels — more than 230 as of this afternoon — show there is nothing cheap or manufactured about the campaign.

Actually, we aren’t taking it personally. The attack — as full of false information as it is — is useful in a way. It shows just how manufactured the campaign against net neutrality is. When the only negative comment we could find about Rock the Net comes from a telecom shill, it makes clear just how much support the anti-net neutrality folks have.

So Scott, stop parroting the telecoms. It’s time to start keepin’ it real!

(Disclaimer: the FMC apologizes to Milli Vanilli for associating them with a faker like Scott Cleland.)